Ferrari’s iconic combustion engines may have a future beyond 2035, thanks to the development of e-fuels. The CEO of Ferrari, Benedetto Vigna, has suggested that the brand could continue to sell non-electrified cars even after the European Union’s ban on new combustion-engined car sales in 2035.
The European Union recently announced that cars running exclusively on e-fuels would be allowed to remain on sale, offering possibilities for low-volume manufacturers like Ferrari. Vigna, speaking at a conference in London, stated that Ferrari remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and will launch its first electric car in 2025. However, he emphasized that internal combustion engines (ICE) still have a significant role to play.
The unexpected advancement of e-fuels technology has opened up new opportunities for Ferrari. Vigna highlighted the compatibility between e-fuels and thermal (combustion) cars, noting that running a thermal car with neutral fuel derived from atmospheric CO2 presents a promising path forward.
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As for Ferrari’s future lineup, details regarding the design and technical specifications of their first electric car remain undisclosed. However, Vigna hinted that preparations are well underway for its anticipated debut. Regarding the broader evolution of the Ferrari lineup, Vigna’s recent remarks suggest that combustion engines could continue to be a core element. He affirmed the company’s commitment to investing in ICE, hybrids, and EVs, emphasizing the significance of the European Union’s e-fuel exemption approval.
While specifics about entirely new engines were not confirmed, Ferrari’s current portfolio consists of a 3.0-liter V6, a 3.9-liter V8, and a 6.5-liter V12. These engines have already been utilized in hybridized supercars like the 296 GTB and SF90 Stradale. However, meeting the requirements of the e-fuels exemption proposal would likely necessitate extensive modifications to existing engines.
Overall, the potential continuation of combustion engines alongside the development of e-fuels presents an intriguing future for Ferrari, allowing them to maintain their investment in various technologies while striving towards sustainability goals.